U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Paul Tonko today announced that Albany International Airport will receive $554,850 in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for airport upgrades. This project will fund the replacement of 134 airfield guidance signs to enhance aircraft visibility and enhance safety of aircraft movements.
“Making sure our runways are clear for takeoff is essential for the safety of our Capital Region travelers,” said Senator Schumer. “This much-needed funding will allow Albany International to improve safety on its runway by replacing the signage needed to direct pilots and keep travelers safe. Ensuring our Upstate airports, which are economic engines, get the safety upgrades they need will always be a top priority of mine.”
“This funding will help support safety upgrades to Albany International Airport,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Albany International Airport is a vital economic anchor in the region that businesses and travelers rely on every day. I will continue to push for funding to help ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.”
“This project will ensure operations at Albany International continue to run smoothly and safely,” said Congressman Tonko. “Ensuring our local airports have the resources they need to meet the demands of travelers to and from the Capital Region is critical as we continue our campaign to attract new businesses and create quality jobs in our community. I would like to acknowledge Kenneth Doyle and his terrific team at the airport who have been champions for our economic development efforts here in the Capital Region.”
”Airline pilots must rely on well-lit and visible signage to safely guide their aircraft and passengers along the network of runways, taxiways and aprons at our airport,” said Rev. Kenneth Doyle, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority. “This grant will improve the effectiveness of our directional signage and help maintain Albany International Airport’s established record of safety.”
This funding for the Albany International Airport in New York is part of the Airport Improvement Program and is administered by DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Airport Improvement Program provides grants to public agencies for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). Funds obligated for the AIP are drawn from the Airport and Airway Trust fund, which is supported by user fees, fuel taxes, and other similar revenue sources.